Esoteric K-03XD Super Audio CD Player

VRDS (Vibration-Free Rigid Disc-Clamping System)

Esoteric's CD/Super Audio CD transport mechanisms feature a core technology, central since the brand’s inception. This system securely clamps discs onto a turntable of matching diameter, effectively eliminating rotational and extraneous mechanical vibrations. The turntable corrects any disc warpage, enhancing the optical pickup's accuracy and minimising servo current. This integration substantially reduces disc read errors, resulting in exceptional sound quality.

The K-03XD’s ATLAS 03 system features an 18mm-thick bridge that simplifies machining processes significantly. It ensures exceptional rigidity and weight distribution to effectively eliminate vibrations that might impact sound quality. Additionally, its duralumin turntable is renowned for delivering outstanding audio performance. The solid steel bridge, larger than that of the VRDS-NEO, employs a one-point spindle bearing design to minimise friction and rotational noise, utilising a high-end steel ball for enhanced performance.

Wide, Low Center-of-Gravity Design

The ESOTERIC VRDS-ATLAS, the quietest and most refined transport in VRDS history, exemplifies the company's dedication to advanced mechanical grounding technology to effectively minimise vibration. Its wide, low-profile design lowers the centre of gravity, while repositioning the turntable motor beneath the turntable significantly shortens the vibration grounding path, reducing mechanical noise. Enhanced rigidity is achieved through minimised tray hollowing, and special elastomer stoppers absorb resonance when the tray is closed.

High-Performance Power Supply – The Key to Sound Quality

The K series' renowned luxurious sound quality is driven by their high-performance power supplies. The new XD edition boasts an upgraded power supply design for an even richer, more lifelike sound. The K-03XD model includes two high-capacity toroidal power transformers, each with independent power supplies for the digital and analog circuits.

Advanced Digital Processing

The K-03XD features an independently developed Delta-Sigma (Δ∑) modulator supporting 64-bit/512Fs, and is compatible with high-end digital formats such as 22.5MHz DSD and 768kHz PCM signals. Its FPGA incorporates a dedicated digital processing algorithm, exclusively designed for the Master Sound Discrete DAC, ensuring exceptional playback quality for both DSD and PCM audio data.

External Input D/A Conversion, USB Ports, Multiple D/D Conversion Options, MQA Support

The K-03XD features extensive digital connectivity options, including USB ports supporting 22.5MHz DSD and asynchronous transmission for use as a D/A converter. It offers PCM upconversion to higher bitrates (up to 768kHz) and PCM to DSD conversion capabilities. The unit is also MQA-CD decode playback compatible and supports full MQA decoding for various digital inputs, including USB.

We endeavour to despatch same day for orders placed up to 1pm on available stock items (items with stock message "Usually dispatched within 24 hours"). Please remember to check with us first for a physical stock check if next day delivery is important to you. Any items with stock message "Usually dispatched within 72 hours" are items that we do not hold in stock but order in from the importer or manufacturer as soon as a customer order is received. Occasionally these may be delayed beyond 72 hours due to importer/manufacturer stock levels but we will inform you as soon as we can if this is the case.

UK Orders

We despatch the bulk of our UK mainland items on a 24 hour service – Free of Charge.  Non Mainland locations - Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, the Scilly Isles, the Scottish highlands and Islands, the Channel Islands and Northern Ireland may take a day or so longer and are not Free of Charge. Smaller items are delivered using Royal Mail 24 or special delivery. Larger items are delivered using a courier service such as DPD or UPS.

International Orders:

Due to the nature of our products and brand restrictions we are only able to send certain items internationally. Smaller items are delivered using Royal Mail Small Packets Airmail with International Tracked and/or Signed depending on value of item and availability of the service. Larger International shipments are sent by insured and tracked services using UPS. If there are any delays due to specific customs regulations, etc, you will be contacted by Hifisound or by the courier with a request for any further information required. Customs duties can apply for shipments to any countries outside of the UK depending on where the product you have bought is made. Customers are responsible for all taxes and duties incurred when the items enter their country.

Collect in Store or Home Install

At the request of the manufacturer some items cannot be supplied by mail order but you can click and buy them and then elect to collect them from our store or arrange a home install (if applicable). Applicable items clearly state that they are Collect in store or home install. Once ordered you will receive a message prompting you to contact us by phone or email to arrange for us to deliver and install or to reserve and collect from our store at your convenience, you will also be advised of the delivery time / stock availability as not all Home install / collect in store items are held in stock.